Letter: Thanks for Freedom Flight

Friday

Oct 26, 2012 at 7:03 AMOct 26, 2012 at 7:05 AM

On behalf of my husband, Jim Moreland, USS Navy, and all the veterans who had the privilege to go on the Story County Freedom Flight, I would like to say thanks so much to all who made this trip possible.

On behalf of my husband, Jim Moreland, USS Navy, and all the veterans who had the privilege to go on the Story County Freedom Flight, I would like to say thanks so much to all who made this trip possible.

Thanks to the organizers, volunteers, family, friends and community that donated their time and money to support this effort. Thanks to state and local authorities and Abate and American Legion Riders for escorting the buses from Ames to Des Moines and back again. It was quite a sight and honor.

My husband, a Vietnam veteran, was extremely touched. It was an honor long overdue for so many, especially the Vietnam veterans who were not treated with this respect during their tours of duty.

Being one of the youngest veterans making this trip, Jim was a bit concerned about having much in common with these “old guys,” but after a few stories, he realized they really weren’t that different. No matter their ages, they were all just soldiers.

There was a great deal of planning that went into this trip and the organizers and escorts were so knowledgeable, helpful and entertaining. The sights and honors will be remembered always, but the surprises along the way topped it all.

There were surprise visitors on the bus, family members who came from all over the country to spend the day. The final surprise mail call on the flight home brought silence and floods of emotions to all just as it does to this day to those serving our country so far away from home.

Greeting the plane full of tired but happy veterans, you could see by the looks on their faces that these memories would last a lifetime. God bless our veterans and those who made these memories possible.

Laura Moreland

Ames

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.